11. Retrospect

I consider retrospect to be more of an intellectual assessment of the past than a walk down memory lane.You might think of retrospect as the special human capacity to make sense of the past and learn from your mistakes. Experience is a teacher only in the light of retrospect.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past. I’ll bet you have, too. Well, what is it that helps us to not walk down those same roads? It is the light of retrospect — of seeing our errors and doing our best to insure that we don’t repeat them.

“In retrospect, I should have¦¦”

You’ve said that before, haven’t you? The present gives you the benefit of seeing the result of your decisions and your actions. It is not, though, in order to feel regret that you should look retrospectively. It is that you might learn and grow.

It’s quite easy to look back and think of the many silly decisions you’ve made. But remember to ponder your mistakes only in order to repair a current understanding of things.

Day 11 Guide

Reminiscence is a view to the past with the intention of pure enjoyment — of trying to arouse the feelings associated with memory. The view of retrospect, on the other hand, carries with it the uncovering of principles that will help to further guide your future. Both are beautiful uses of human memory, and both should be used to carry you forward.